ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

St. Anne’s Episcopal Church

Newsletter January 2018

SERVING CHRIST IN THE WORLD

Contacts: St. Anne’s Episcopal Church From the Rector PO Box 134, 14 Treble Cove Rd. by The Rev. Lauren T. McLeavey No. Billerica, MA 01862 Office Ph: 978-663-4073 Dear Friends in Christ, changes everything and I will soon find Office Admin Hours: that out for myself. For me, for my son, Tues. & Wed. 9am-1pm Happy New Year! I hope you all my husband, and for you, my beloved Thrift Shop Ph: 978-667-6268 had a happy and safe Christmas and parishioners, I am going to work hard to New Year celebration. shift focus from the bad stuff, to the Email: [email protected] 2017 was a tough year. In good stuff. Website: stannes-billerica.org reality, all years have their ups and The Christmas Season is all downs, but it seems that 2017 was about welcoming Jesus into our lives. The Rev. Lauren McLeavey especially rough, personally, Jesus is the light, Jesus is love, Jesus is Rector professionally, nationally, and globally. understanding. With Him, we can do Mobile: 718-440-0811 I’m not usually one for New Year’s anything, as long as we do it with love. Email: [email protected] resolutions, I never end up going to the I will miss Lent this year Blog: therevlauren.com gym 5 times a week, but this year, I think because of maternity leave, which is Vestry: I will make one. both good and bad. I love Lent as a Ed Giroux – Warden I have a tendency to internalize season, it is a great time to really pray Mark Komarinski – Warden things and only focus on the negative. and ponder. I’m sure I will have lots of Sue Geen – Treasurer This affects my mood and life greatly, time to pray during my sleepless nights Kathy Brewster – Clerk and it affects other people. I am a at home, but please know that I love you Marie Figenbaum – 2018 human being after all, and we all make all, and I will miss you when I am away. John Kusnierz – 2018 Lucy Ann Young – 2018 mistakes, even if it is hard to admit. I I’m not gone yet, so let’s Judy MacPherson – 2019 think in 2018, I am going to try and focus embrace Jesus’ “attitude of gratitude” on the positive in life instead of dwelling Carol Lazott – 2019 and celebrate all the great things St. Jane Kotelly – 2019 on the negative. Anne’s has done in 2017 with joy and Russell Bent – 2020 God blesses each and every one hope for a great 2018. Andrea Jeffrey – 2020 of us in our lives in different ways, and Janet Lyna – 2020 our own happiness and well-being Yours in Christ, Worship: depends on how we react to those Rev. Lauren Sundays, 8am & 10am blessings. I have heard that motherhood ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

From the Co-Wardens As we wrap up 2017 and the Christmas season, we look back at the year and all that we have accomplished:

• Our thrift shop had another successful year by helping those in need. • We’ve opened our doors and welcomed another group that needs our hospitality for a place to meet. • St. Anne’s has been more active in the community by taking part in the town’s Yankee Doodle weekend and a candle light vigil at Town Hall after the tragedy in Charlottesville. • On Ash Wednesday, St. Anne’s reached out to the community by distributing ashes at the local train station.

And of course we reached out to the community with our traditional Christmas fair, ham & bean supper and evening of giving. We also brought back our fall harvest fair. Already planned for this year is the “Giving is the new receiving” blood drive in January.

With the New Year comes new opportunities to become more active in St. Anne’s. We always say that we need your time, talent and treasure. But we also need your ideas, your energy and participation. No idea is too small. We’ve spent several weeks discussing stewardship and how you can help St. Anne’s financially and otherwise. 2018 brings the opportunity for all of us to become more active members of our parish family.

As we all know by now, Rev. Lauren will be away from us for a period of time as she welcomes a new member of her family. It is important for us to remember that while she is away, St. Anne’s needs to continue and we are responsible to make sure the parish runs smoothly. Everyone has gifts or talents to offer. Please offer your talents to help continue the successes at St. Anne’s.

We hope you take some time to reflect on the past year, and enjoy the holidays with friends and family. Then we can all start 2018 by bringing a new energy and enthusiasm to our parish home.

Thanks for reading! Mark Komarinski Ed Giroux Co-Wardens FUN - RAISING! Dear Brothers and Sisters, As I write this in late December, both the Christmas Fair as well as the Ham and Bean Supper have happened, and we are awaiting Christmas. But, before looking forward, permit me to look backward for a moment and reflect. The Christmas Fair was a wonderful day, bright and sunny, and well attended with plenty of holiday spirit, raising over $3,000 for St. Anne's, due to the wonderful spirit which is St. Anne's working in the church and in the community. To all who helped in one way or another; quite simply, thank you. The next week after Christmas Fair we were on to the Ham and Bean Supper and Evening of Giving. Even with snowy stormy conditions, we hearty New Englanders made a near capacity showing for a magnificent dinner put on by Maureen Thibeault and family! That raised over $300 in ticket sales; not including the Evening of Giving which raised over $1000, Wow! The generosity of giving extended to the Angel Tree, which provided over 150 children with a gift to open for Christmas. Thank you doesn't seem an adequate enough phrase to convey how this church makes me feel each and every year!

I wish you all a happy and healthy 2018, and look forward to lots more FUN-raising events in the future! PS be thinking of any items you can donate to the Sweetheart Silent Auction Dinner, which is happening February 10!

Fondly, Andrea Jeffrey

Blood Drive at St. Anne’s! Giving is the new Receiving! I am very excited to tell you about an opportunity for St Anne’s to increase its presence in the community and help so many people in one day. Now I know many of you are thinking “what will this cost me?” It will not cost you one red cent. But your cost will be in red...… I am asking for your support in helping up to 3 people with just one pint of your blood.

St Anne’s has the opportunity to host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross, January 27, 2018. The Red Cross is having a January incentive - for every potential donor a $5.00 Dunkin Donuts gift card will be given out! We have a goal of 35 appointments between 9:00am and 2:00pm. A link will be out soon to make your appointment - or see me and I will make it for you!

I have enclosed some quick facts: 3

Aspects of each potential donor's health history are discussed as part of the donation process before any blood is collected. Each donor receives a brief examination during which temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin (or hematocrit) are measured.

Donation Type and Frequency Blood (whole) Every 56 days Platelets Every 7 days - 24x yr Plasma Every 28 days - 13x yr Double Red Every 112 days -3x yr I am asking you to stay healthy (so you can donate) be supportive and spread the word. I know this is something small that will benefit so many as well as bring the community into our spiritual home away from home. Sandra Giroux

New Dance Class at St. Anne’s! Bellydance with Carolisa of moonlightdjz Starts January 11th, Thursday mornings at 10:30am Six weeks - $60 * to Register: [email protected] or 978-937-7937 Have you ever wanted to try Bellydance? Try something new in the New Year.. and try this beautiful and joyous dance! Fast & fiery to slow & smooth, this dance includes core isolations * figure 8’s* flowing hands and arms * a Greek dance and the beautiful Veil Dance --all set to a fantastic mix of world music! Increase flexibility, work all muscles especially the core (low impact) & feel great in this FUN & friendly class! For women of all ages, body types and fitness levels. Wear comfortable, stretchy clothing; best are thick socks, slipper sox or ballet type slippers you can glide in. Veils may be borrowed. Advance Registration Required. Carolisa has over 20 years of dance teacher experience in many styles including Zumba and Line Dancing. More classes may be added in the future!

Annual Meeting, January 21st The Annual Meeting will be January 21st (snow date is January 28th). If you need to submit a report, please submit it to our Parish Administrator, Stacey Fassi, at [email protected]. All reports must be submitted ELECTRONICALLY via e-mail Word, Excel, or typed into the body of the e-mail. Do not handwrite or scan a report, it will not be accepted. This makes the report much easier to collate and saves time and energy. You must submit your report by January 15th or it will not be included in the report.

Angel Tree Thanks to your generosity, St. Anne’s collected around 200 gifts to be distributed to children living in foster care via the Department of Children and Families. Thank you so much for your kindness and for making Christmas that much more special for local children!

Rainbow Flag You may have noticed our new rainbow flag outside, here is the story behind this wonderful new addition which is a symbol of welcome to all of God’s people: This past summer, a young person in our congregation asked me what the Episcopal Church's stance on homosexuals was. I explained that our church was a welcoming church. All humans are welcome here, no matter who they love. They asked why we didn't advertise that to our community. The First Parish church in the center of town has a rainbow flag out front to let everyone know that ALL are welcome. They asked if we too could let the world know that welcome everyone. I said we should speak to the rector. There ensued a brief discussion about the type of flag and where it could be placed. One that didn't need a flagpole and that could be moved easily was decided upon. I purchased this flag and Rev. Lauren put it up. St. Anne's had welcomed Rev. Louise with love. We all know people that have been marginalized. Change is hard, but I like to think that a symbol of welcoming to those that have made scapegoats and rejected would be welcomed here at this place of love. I ask you: what would you have told a young person? Would you have told them no?

Your sister in Christ, Brenda Komarinski

Keep reading until the end for pictures from Christmas! ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Upcoming Events Sincerely, Jan. 2018 We are always looking for Peter Morelli volunteers, so drop by and sign up Jan 6th: Annacreons Yankee Swap to help! Pastoral Visits Jan. 7th: 10:00am Bishop Gates Visit th Rev. Lauren warmly encourages Jan. 9 : 7:30pm Evening Bible Tuesday Bible Studies Study visitations at home or hospital -The 10am study resumed on Sept. Jan. 11th: 10:30am Dance Classes by bedside. You don't even need to be 12th, continuing with the book of Carolisa start! Acts. All are welcome! a member of St. Anne’s. But, you Jan. 15th: Annual Mtg. Reports Due -Tuesday evening Bible study will need to take the first step and Jan. 21st: 11am ANNUAL MEETING be on the second and fourth invite her. Please give Rev. Lauren Jan. 23rd: 7:30pm Evening Bible Tuesday of the month. a call at 718-440-0811 or e-mail at Study

Jan. 27th: BLOOD DRIVE [email protected], and Men’s Breakfast Jan. 28th: Annual mtg. snow date we will arrange for a visitation at a th The Men’s breakfast takes place on Jan. 27 : 9:00am Ladies’ Breakfast the 4th Saturday of the month place and time of your at Stelio’s at 9:00am at the Deli King restaurant convenience. 9:00am Men’s Breakfast located at 885 Mains Street in at Deli King Tewksbury. The men’s group is Altar Flowers simply anyone who wants to show If you wish to donate altar flowers to Ongoing Activities: up for a good breakfast and little Saint Anne’s, please fill out one of Mondays: Al-Anon 7:30pm socializing. Everybody is welcome. the flower request forms and return Tuesdays: Bible Study 10:00am it to Stacey in . Suggested Wednesday: AA 8:00pm Women’s Breakfast donation is $25 per arrangement. 1st, 3rd, & 5th Ladies – Let’s get together for Craft Group 10am breakfast on the last Saturday of the St. Anne’s Craft Group Thursdays: Dance Class 10:30am month at 9:00am at Stelio’s in North St. Anne’s Craft Group meets the th Billerica. It's a good time to Saturdays: 4 Men’s & Women’s first, third and fifth Wednesdays reconnect and plan activities. Please Breakfasts of the month from 9:30 a.m. to NA 6:30pm come. 11:30 a.m. in the Nichols Room,

Announcements: Choir followed by lunch. One does not Our choir is now rehearsing on have to know how to knit, Pledge Envelopes Sundays from 11:30am-12:30pm. crochet, or any other type of The pledge envelopes for 2018 are Please consider taking part in the needle work. Please contact Marie in the narthex for pickup by the rehearsals, and singing in the choir at Figenbaum (714-585-9744, cell, or congregation. They are in the services on Sundays. All ages 781-275-7294 home.) alphabetical order starting at the and voices are welcome. There are left back to help individuals find options with time commitment Administrative office: theirs. If there are problems with availability and singing / music Administrative office hours are them, I can be reached at reading experience. With choral Tuesday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 978-657-0765. Wednesday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. projects, your participation in Many thanks, John Geen preparing and singing any anthem is Bulletin Announcements valued. If you’re interested or have Announcements for the weekly Thrift Shop questions about the choir or the bulletin must be submitted to the The Thrift Shop hours are as music program, please feel free to office by the Tuesday. Please follows: contact me include details, as well as the end Wed: 2-6pm at [email protected] or at (617) date for the announcement. Please Thurs: 10am-4pm submit announcement to Stacey at: 480-9775. Fri: 10am-2pm [email protected] If you can sing joyfully, you are Sat 10am-2pm Thrift Shop Ph: 978-667-6268 welcome. God hears your song! ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Angel Tree gifts, thank you for your generosity!!!

Silver Tea

The Church decorated for Christmas

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Silent Night, Holy Night